Clues in nailing down the time of Yeshua's birth.
LUKE 1: 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth”.
Three very important pieces of information are given to us in this verse.
- Zacharias was a priest,
- He performed Temple service according to the course of “Abia”
which is in the Hebrew month Sivan (May), and
- Zacharias’ wife was from the daughters of Aaron, the priestly
family.
The priest's families and duties were divided into twenty-four divisions (1 Chron 24:1-18) serving in the Temple in rotation, each for a week. According to the Mishnah, the cycle begins on the first Shabbat (Sabbath) of the Hebrew month Abib (also called Nisan), and each division was subdivided into several families of priests who served one day a week. This gave every priest an opportunity to perform his duties. Three great annual festivals known as Pilgrimage Festivals (Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles) needed all hands on deck and all twenty-four divisions officiated simultaneously. (Sukkot 5:7) Zacharias did his duty during the middle festival season known as Shavuot, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost in Greek); this was the course of Abia. Why is that important? It helps establish the birth of John, the Baptist, who is six months older than Yeshua.
Luke 1:8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God
in the order of his course, 9 According to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of God. ...11 And there appeared unto him an angel of God standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. While serving as priest Zacharias saw an angel of God standing on the right side of the Golden Incense Altar. 13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
With this we can establish that about 9 months later John the Baptist will be born.
...23 And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished (the course Abia in the Temple were over), he departed to his own house. 24
And after those days his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying, 25 Thus hath God dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
And this is where I get six months apart in age between Yeshua and John.
..26 And in the sixth month (of Elizabeth’s pregnancy) the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.
Here is your confirmation...
...35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36
And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her (Sivan, May/June), who was called barren … 39 And Mary arose in those days (when she was conceived with Yeshua and Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant – Keslev/December), and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Juda; 40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and saluted Elisabeth (who was six month’s pregnant). 41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe (John) leaped in her womb.”
Three months later was the time of John’s birth, and that would be approximately Pesach (Passover). This is very important as the religious Jews at that time (even today), expected that Elijah would appear during Passover (Mal 4:5). Remember, John came in the spirit of Elijah (Mat 11:7-14) and not in the flesh.
It is also interesting that the timing of this would play a significant role on Mary's and Elizabeth's minds. The beginning of Elizabeth’s sixth month would have been the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which is the first day of Chanukah. Chanukah is known as the “Feast of Lights” or the “Feast of the Dedication”. (John 10:22)
Mary conceived on Chanukah, the feast of the Dedication of Lights, then it also testifies to what is said in John 1:6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
25 Kislev to 25 Tishri is 9 full Jewish months which is 10 days longer than normal gestation. God ordained that 15 Tishri, the very first day of the Feast of Tabernacles, should be celebrated with unrestrained happiness.
Luke 2: 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
The glory of God is the Shekinah, and this is the first appearance since the days of Ezekiel. Ezekiel the prophet records how the Shekinah departed from Israel in four successive and reluctant stages, hoping for the people of Israel to repent. Here the Shekinah announces the birth of a Jewish King to Jewish shepherds.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Messiah the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Confirmation
Isaiah 9:3 They joy before thee according to the joy in harvest.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh; and tabernacled among us.
Now you may wonder why I include this verse as confirmation....
Luke 2:10 Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Sukkot is a festival of joy, and it is also known as the “Festival of the Nations”. The angel was actually
giving them a greeting for the Festival of Sukkot. This is the only festival where the “nations” are encouraged to participate. (Zech. 14:16-19)
It makes sense that Yeshua would be born in a manger in a temporary shelter during this time, after all it is Sukkot, dwelling in a Sukkah (booth) for seven days is Lev 23:42.
From this we can logically conclude that the date of
the birth of Yeshua was undoubtedly during the Feast of Tabernacles in the Jewish month Tishri (September/October), on the first day of the Feast, the great day and solemn assembly. (Lev 23:39; John 7:37)
